ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.

Court appearance

San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.

The charges

The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.

San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

Life on the run

Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.

Why North Wales?

Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.

The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.

THE UK and Welsh Governments welcomed Ed Tomp as the newly appointed permanent Chair of the Celtic Freeport, marking the project’s transition from the development to the delivery phase. 

Ed Tomp assumed his role on 1 December 2024 and will lead this vital re-industrialisation and regeneration project. The Celtic Freeport is set to attract £8.4bn of private and public investment, deliver 11,500 new jobs and add £8.1bn of economic value (GVA).  This vision is underpinned by investment incentives for businesses setting up new operations in designated development zones – tax sites – in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.

From 26 November 2024 until 30 September 2034, businesses investing in Celtic Freeport’s tax sites can access a suite of incentives. These include no Business Rates for the first five years, significant reductions in national insurance contributions and enhanced capital allowances including extended full capital expensing, to support their investment decisions.

The Celtic Freeport is a public-private consortium including Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven, alongside renewables developers, energy companies, industrial complexes, innovation assets, academic institutions and education providers. The Celtic Freeport covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station and heavy engineering across South-West Wales.

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, cabinet member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “The Celtic Freeport opening for business is tremendous news for our region.

“The scale of the opportunity ahead for the Milford Haven Waterway and for Pembrokeshire is enormous and we are determined to ensure we maximise the opportunity this coming energy revolution offers to grow the Pembrokeshire economy, to secure investment and to create and sustain good jobs.

“We want to ensure that the incentives from the Celtic Freeport benefits the people from the communities within the waterway and across Pembrokeshire. I am confident that it will play a significant role in driving inclusive economic prosperity across the county.

“Together, with our partners, we can start the work to create meaningful investment for the people of Pembrokeshire, which will be transformational for our communities and businesses.”

Ed Tomp, Chair of the Celtic Freeport, added: “This week marks an important moment as we move from the development to delivery phase. Boosted by a suite of investment incentives, Celtic Freeport’s development plan will march forward to support existing industry to decarbonise, while creating an ecosystem between Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot where green industries like sustainable fuels, hydrogen and floating offshore wind can prosper.”

FOR many, Christmas begins with the magical sound of carols from King’s College, Cambridge. This year, a week before their globally broadcast performance on BBC TV and radio, the lower voices of King’s Choir—known as The King’s Men—will make their first-ever appearance in Pembrokeshire.

Their performance, titled Sing Christmas!, promises an enchanting evening of traditional carols and nostalgic Christmas classics delivered in stunning close harmonies.

A special connection to Pembrokeshire
This extraordinary event is hosted by Pembrokeshire-based professional musician Quentin Poole. A former Head Chorister of King’s College Choir, Quentin gained national recognition as a guest on Desert Island Discs on Boxing Day 1970. Now, he brings the renowned choir to St Davids Tabernacle, Cross Square, for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday, December 18, at 7:30pm—just six days before their iconic live Christmas Eve broadcast.

Reserve your seats early
Tickets for this unique festive performance are £25 each, payable in cash at the door, which opens at 7:00pm. Seating is unallocated, so early arrival is recommended.

Due to anticipated high demand, advance booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To reserve your seats, email [email protected].

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of King’s College Choir in the heart of Pembrokeshire!